austriamicrosystems Ships One Billionth Analog IC For Knowles Acoustics` MEMS Microphones

Solid-state silicon microphones are the technology of choice for leading OEMs
supporting high-performance, high-density innovation in a variety of
applications
UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria--(Business Wire)--
austriamicrosystems (SIX: AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of
analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and automotive applications
is proud to announce the shipment of their one billionth high performance analog
IC for the successful SiSonic series of MEMS microphones. A major MEMS success
story, SiSonic MEMS microphones are the leading product family in this rapidly
developing market with major global OEMs relying on Knowles Acoustics` unmatched
expertise.

Built on Knowles` CMOS / MEMS technology platform, which was originally launched
in 2002, the SiSonic silicon-based microphone series is entering its fifth
generation of development, with the overall product family shipping in excess of
1 billion units, to date. The proven, and evolving, design series supports
high-performance, high-density innovation in applications such as cell phones,
notebooks, digital still cameras, portable music players, and other portable
electronic devices.

"We are proud to be associated with a company that has been so successful in
introducing this leading technology. It is our objective to continually support
Knowles with compelling solutions to reduce costs and improve performance of the
integrated preamplifier and modulator circuits," stated Franz Faschinger, Senior
Vice President at austriamicrosystems.

"Finding the right IC was an important element to the success of the SiSonic
MEMS microphone. austriamicrosystems was one of the few semiconductor suppliers
who were able to meet our demanding requirements," stated Mike Adell, General
Manager of Knowles Acoustics. "With unique capabilities, depth, and reliability,
we believe our relationship with austriamicrosystems will allow us to extend our
leadership position in MEMS microphone technology for years to come."

MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) microphones consist of two die, the MEMS
sensor element and the CMOS circuit. Acoustic signals are converted inside the
MEMS into a change in capacitance. The CMOS IC converts the capacitance changes
into a digital or analog output voltage, which can then be processed by the
other components in the mobile device. austriamicrosystems` high performance
analog ASIC is a very low noise, low power, low voltage MEMS interface system
which offers small die area and low cost and also meets the requirements of high
manufacturing quality and high voltage capability.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance
analog ICs, combining more than 27 years of analog design capabilities and
system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities.
austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to
provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating
worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the
areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces and mobile infotainment
in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented
by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SIX
Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker: AMS). For more information, please visit
www.austriamicrosystems.com

austriamicrosystems
Ulrike Anderwald, +43-(0)-3136-500-5856
Media Relations
press@austriamicrosystems.com
www.austriamicrosystems.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009